good-for-nothing

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"What can you do with this good-for-nothing pension? Were it not for my son helping me out I'd be unable to buy my medicine," she complained at the march in the capital, Caracas.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

The 17th Mickey is a flesh photocopy of Mickey Barnes, a good-for-nothing dope desperate to flee Earth after his macaron business flops and its main investor threatens him with a chain saw.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2025

Yet later this year up to 40 healthy Australian volunteers may begin receiving infusions of the supposedly good-for-nothing molecule.

From Science Magazine • Jun. 8, 2023

“O you good-for-nothing old fellow!” said the General, patting the dog’s head, “you have made me a good deal of trouble and labor by your over-familiarity.”

From Slate • Jan. 31, 2021

“Oh, that one! He was a good-for-nothing, and that’s the truth. Ran off with one of those jugglers from the state fair. I remember because she had that red hair.”

From "Bone Gap" by Laura Ruby